Rawalpindi, March 29 -- A sharp increase in petroleum prices has led to a surge in transportation costs, triggering a rise in the prices of essential food items across markets in the Punjab province of Pakistan, The Express Tribune reported, citing traders and market sources.

According to The Express Tribune, transport costs from major wholesale hubs such as Karachi, Faisalabad and Sargodha have nearly doubled following the fuel price hike, significantly impacting retail prices.

In the open market, milk is being sold at around PKR 230 per kg, while yoghurt is priced between PKR 240 and PKR 250 per kg. Among pulses, gram pulse is available at PKR 390 per kg, rice at PKR 400 per kg, white chickpeas at PKR 430 per kg, red beans at PKR 550 ...